Education

TS Empress1863 viewsThe Empress moored in the Gareloch off Rhu. She was the second of two charitable training ships for boys, and was in the Gareloch from 1889 until the 1920s, with staff giving a tough and sometimes brutal training to the 300 boys on board at any time. In this picture some can be seen aloft. Image circa 1910.

The Empress1951 viewsA 1905 photograph of the Training Ship Empress and two large yachts moored in Rhu Bay. Formerly the warship Revenge, the Clyde Training Ship Association vessel was home and school to 350-400 boys.

Glen Fruin School circa 19102002 viewsThis one teacher school was built in 1840, and the building still stands today as a private house near the Black Bridge. The photograph was taken by Helensburgh grocery manager and keen amateur photographer Robert Thorburn, and several members of the Thorburn family were pupils.

Pupils of Glen Fruin School circa 1910-122137 viewsThree of the pupils are James, Graham, and Robert Douglas Thorburn. The picture was taken by keen amateur photographer Robert Thorburn.

Academy opening1876 viewsVIP guests the Duke of Argyll and the Commodore Clyde, Commodore Chris Hockley, and his wife chat after the official opening of the second Hermitage Academy at Colgrain on June 4 2008.

Academy opening1987 viewsProvost William Petrie OBE JP DL of Argyll and Bute Council, a former pupil who met his wife Jean at the original Hermitage School, officially opens the second Hermitage Academy at Colgrain on June 4 2008, watched by headmaster Geoff Urie.

Academy opening1882 viewsTalented young violinist Ryan Young plays a set of reels during the official opening of the second Hermitage Academy at Colgrain on June 4 2008. On the left of the picture is the Duke of Argyll. Photo by Donald Fullarton.